3 ex-parliamentarians to get monthly allowances

Three former elected parliamentarians who are ineligible for an elected member’s pension will now be paid a monthly pension.{{more}}

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement on Monday, January 25, 2010, that as of January 1, 2010, Afflick Haynes, Alphonso Dennie and Offord Morris will be paid a monthly pension of $1,200.

The prime minister was quick to warn that the gesture of thanks by the nation to these three elderly gentlemen does not represent a precedent for younger, former parliamentarians who are not eligible for retirement benefits under the Pension for Members of the House of Assembly Act One.

Gonsalves stated that Legislation will be brought to the House of Assembly in February to give effect to the decision by his administration.

Haynes had represented West St. George for two terms under the Ebenezer Joshua’s People’s Political Party
(PPP), while Dennie was elected as the representative for North Leeward on a PPP ticket.

Dennie had served as a Minister of Government under the James Mitchell-Ebenezer Joshua coalition for 2 1/2 years.

Morris on the other hand, was elected on a St.Vincent and the Grenadines Labour Party ticket for a five-year term in 1979 in the Constituency of South Central Windward.

In that election he defeated both James Mitchell and Ebenezer Joshua.